In an emergency policy meeting today, Japan's government and the Bank of Japan agreed to increase funds available for credit to banks by $116 billion, calling for "bold" action to boost the economy, according to Bloomberg. This comes after Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his finance minister urged action to stem the surge of the country's currency, which has soared to a 15-year high. While analysts question whether a shift in monetary policy can alter Japan's economic situation, Prime Minister Kan's ratings are climbing. The Japan Times says 69% of those surveyed by telephone favored Kan, while challenger Ozawa trailed with a 15% score. Ozawa was recently quoted calling Americans "unicellular." Not a comment likely to instill confidence in his international relations skills.

Mazda gained the most among Japan's main car makers, surging 2.1%, the company received more than 7,000 orders for it's new Mazda Premacy minivan in the first month since its launch in Japan, surpassing sales targets by 400%, according to the company's own web site. Honda motored up 1.6% and Isuzu added 0.7%. Toyota lost 0.4%. Meanwhile, car audio system maker Clarion climbed 2.5% and Alps Electric, a manufacturer of auto electronic components gained 2%.

Big brand food makers also got a boost today with Kirin Holdings, the well-known beer brewer that also makes pharmaceuticals and other edible products, scored a 2.6% rise and Kikoman, soy sauce maker to the world, rose 2.2%.

In Hong Kong, it was Ben Bernanke's promise to support the U.S. economy that bolstered investors' confidence. HSBC, the most heavily weighted bank on the Hang Seng rallied 1.4% while Industrial & Commercial Bank of China surged 1.9%. Bank of China increased 1% and Bank of Communications was up 0.8%.

China Green Holdings, an agricultural company that distributes fruit and vegetables, rallied 26% after finally filing earnings reports. The company's shares plunged last week after an auditor asked for more time to examine the accounts, spooking investors.

In China, breweries and distilleries were also on the rise. Kweichow Moutai, maker of China's national wine, according to Chinese Business World, skyrocketed 5.8%, and Tsingtao Brewery rose 4.1%.

Other gainers in China included commodity producers. Jiangxi Copper rose 5.4% and Baoshan Iron & Steel advanced 2.4% on high hopes that demand around the world will increase if international leaders succeed in shoring up their economies.